Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of double standards on Saturday after the UN nuclear watchdog adopted a resolution criticising Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme. She stated that North Korea's status as a nuclear weapons state is 'irreversible'.
The IAEA resolution, adopted at its General Conference, expressed deep concern over North Korea's continued development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The agency urged Pyongyang to comply with its international obligations and return to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
In response, Kim Yo Jong condemned the resolution as politically motivated and said it demonstrated the IAEA's biased stance. She reiterated that North Korea will never abandon its nuclear deterrent, which it views as essential for national security and sovereignty.
This exchange marks the latest tension between North Korea and the international community over its nuclear ambitions. The IAEA has repeatedly called on North Korea to allow international inspectors to verify its nuclear activities, but Pyongyang has rejected such demands, insisting on its right to self-defence.
